James Arkins reveals a star in $100,000 Hygain Feeds Grand Prix

James Arkins’ trip to Desert International Horse Park (DIHP) was a long one, but it was well worth it. Recently he relocated his top horse Eurostar 1 to the states, and following an appearance at the FEI World Championships, the pair took the number one spot in the $100,000 Hygain Feeds Grand Prix in the first grand prix event of the 2022/2023 season.

Not only was this the first Grand Prix of the National Sunshine Series, but it was also the first time Arkins had shown Eurostar since the World Championships in August. “I only got him back last week so this is our first time back in the show ring and to come out with a win is just incredible. I’m super excited,” the Australian rider reflected.

Alan Wade of Ireland set the track for the feature event of the week, welcoming 48 horse-and-rider combinations to attempt to navigate the tricky course clear. Of the starting entries, nine qualified for the short course, and Arkins had pole position of being second to last in the jump-off order.

Luis Goncalves, hot off his win in Thursday’s $30,000 1.45m Open Classic, set the pace with Vick Du Croisy, owned by Sigma Stables, in 37.066 seconds. It almost seemed he could not be caught, until Arkins and the 10-year-old Stallion (Diarado x Chacco Blue) managed to shave off nearly one full second and take the lead. Goncalves claimed second while Lorcan Gallagher and the Lost Lake Farm entry Copycat took third place in 37.433 seconds.

“I’ve had him since he was a 3-year-old and produced him the whole way through,” Arkins said of Eurostar. “We decided at the end of last year to bring him over to the [United States]; we thought we’d have a crack at trying to get him on the team for the World Championships. He’s just grown every show we’ve gone to and he’s just getting better and better.”

Having a breakout year, Arkins has had Nations Cup appearances and already knows the horse is a championship-caliber athlete. He now eyes Olympic Games and additional championship events to come.

“He’s always been such a beautiful horse in every way,” Arkins continued. “He’s so trainable and incredibly intelligent. You almost have to be a little careful that you don’t let him know too quickly that you want to turn, because as soon as he knows you’re turning he’s off. Everything we’ve asked him through his whole training process he’s stepped up. I’m really excited about the next 18 months to two years with him and really looking forward to trying to get him on the [Olympic] team for Paris.”

A newcomer to DIHP, Arkins’ trip has been worthwhile. “I’ve heard a lot about it and I really wanted to come here,” Arkins said of DIHP. “I thought of the opportunity to see the rest of the country and it really hasn’t disappointed. It’s been great. This is an amazing facility and I think [they] are putting on a fantastic show. I’m looking forward to coming back here in a couple weeks for Major League [Show Jumping].”

Arkins’ name is now in the running for the inaugural $100,000 National Grand Prix Jumper Rider Bonus to be awarded at the end of Desert Circuit.

Kassidy Keith and Cheryl Keith’s Havana were the recipients of the $1,000 U25 Equifit bonus. Keith was the first of the night to jump the course clear and was the fastest 4-faulter in the jump-off.

Earlier in the day Saturday, top young talents showed off their scope and speed in the $10,000 Interactive Mortgage 10 & Under Futurity Series. The fan-favorite class returned for its second year, and will have a home on the DIHP calendar through the entirety of the 2022/2023 season. Taking the top call was Mariano Maggi and Right On Time Margarita. Goncalves and Sigma claimed second place, while Arkins and Joevaro N took third.

The Grand Prix Arena also hosted 1.20m athletes for the Silver Oak Jumper Tournament Jump for Kevin Babington, another popular class returning to the desert for the 2022/2023 season. Of junior, amateur and professional athletes, it was Annelyse Bansbach and Andrea Snyder’s Dauphin taking top call. Michelle Berry claimed second and third places, aboard Travers Girl HS, owned by Professional Maintenance Systems, and Ilyas Van De Mispelaere, owned by Everardo Hegewisch, respectively.

The first week of the National Sunshine Series concludes Sunday with the $30,000 1.40m Open Classic, sponsored by Brown Advisory, and the $10,000 1.35m Open Classic, sponsored by Antares.

Final Results: $100,000 Hygain Feeds Grand Prix

1. Eurostar 1 / James Arkins / James Arkins / 0/0/36.103

2. Vick Du Croisy / Luis Goncalves / Sigma Stables LLC / 0/0/37.066

3. Copycat / Lorcan Gallagher / Lost Lake Farm LLC / 0/0/37.433

4. Stern Dei Folletti / Karrie Rufer / Morning Star Sporthorses LLC / 0/0/37.680

5. Cadeau Z / Mandy Porter / Risen Eq Holdings LLC / 0/0/40.154

6. Havana / Kassidy Keith / Cheryl Keith / 0/4/37.658

7. Tashmir Z / Alexandra Biederman / Alexandra Biederman / 0/4/39.843

8. Chattanooga / Cassio Rivetti / HF Farms LLC / 0/10/61.362

9. Hirado Blue / Molly Talla / Molly Talla / 0/EL

10. Edesa’s Vidal 8 / Mariano Alario / Edesa Horse Promotion Inc. / 3/84.393

11. Flinton M / Kendall Bourgeois / Cameron Brown / 4/77.463

12. Boucherom / Trent McGee / Trent McGee / 4/79.447